ISO Western Bit

I like the mechanics of it. I like the curved short shank for kiddos green hands and the soft mouthpiece. I also like that all the pieces move independently. I think it’s a weird name for a bit, but whatever.

They don't have enough feel for me. Once you use a good bit, you won't need that "cowhorse" bit. Lol!!!

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I really looked into it. It may not have a lot of gag action, but any mouthpiece that slides along the ring and applies pressure to the corners of the mouth will cue the horse to raise his head. Add on the shanks that apply poll pressure and that tells the horse to lower his head. What a confusing mess. I read reviews where people claim their horses ride quietly in them. Well no wonder, if he resists and you take up contact, he gets a mixed review of cues. Horse goes along quietly to avoid that.

The short curved shanks minimize the leverage and since she doesn’t ride on contact anyway, which I have to keep reminding myself, it seems like a good bit for the novice. It has a dog bone mouth as well.

I don't like mixing shanks of any length with a snaffle mouthpiece. IMHO, the two should never be used together. I like this bit...it's my go to bit for a prospect or a seasoned western horse.View attachment 603084

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Totally get that for you. She's a novice. I can see how a broken mouth shanked bit is kind of like playing the piano with mittens, but for a novice, I think that's ok.